Pronunciation: [vˈɪlɪfˌa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
Vilify is a verb meaning to speak ill of someone or something. Its spelling can be explained using IPA transcription: /ˈvɪ.lɪ.faɪ/. The first syllable is pronounced as "vil" with a short "i" sound, followed by "i" with a short "i" sound, and then "fy" with a long "i" sound. The letters "v", "l", "f" and "y" are pronounced as expected, while "i" has both short and long sounds, as determined by its position within the word.
Vilify is a verb that refers to the act of maliciously or slanderously speaking ill of someone, often with the intention of damaging their reputation or character. When someone vilifies another person, they make harsh or false statements about them that are intended to discredit and diminish their standing in the eyes of others.
The word "vilify" contains the root word "vile," which suggests extreme dissatisfaction or disgust. When someone is vilified, they are subjected to public ridicule, scorn, or contempt. The intent behind vilification is typically to undermine the person's credibility, integrity, or moral character, leading others to form negative judgments about them. This can be achieved through various means, such as spreading false rumors, making derogatory remarks, or distorting the truth to paint a negative picture of the individual.
Vilification often occurs in the context of public figures, politicians, or individuals who hold influential positions, as their reputation can significantly impact their standing and credibility. However, it can also happen on a personal level, when someone intentionally tarnishes the reputation of an acquaintance, colleague, or even a rival. Vilification is considered a harmful and unethical behavior, as it can cause significant damage to a person's personal and professional life.
Overall, vilify refers to the deliberate and often malicious act of defaming or disparaging someone, ruining their reputation or causing harm to their character through slanderous or untrue statements.
To debase; to degrade by slander; to defame.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "vilify" originated from the Latin word "vilis", which means "cheap, worthless, or base". In Latin, the verb form was "vilificare", which meant "to make cheap or worthless". This Latin term eventually made its way into Old French as "vilifier", and it entered the English language in the 15th century as "vilify". Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to the act of defaming, slandering, or speaking ill of someone, rather than just making them appear cheap or worthless.
